Voice Activation disabled in Cabriolet

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phil1824

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The Voice Activation in the Cabriolet appears to be switched off when delivered. It was switched off on the 2009 A4 Cabriolet MMI and I asked them to switch in on and it took them 5 minutes. I believe they connected in up to VCDS?? and switched it on.
It is switched off on my new A3 Cabriolet and I will go back to the Dealership and ask them to activate it.
The Bluetooth phone system works really well, so there must be microphones fitted etc...
I would find it really useful if the experts in this forum could confirm that this can be done and is a trivial task for those who know what they are doing?
Many thanks.
Phil
 
Audi will not enable to Voice Activation. The statement is :"Because of cabriolet-specific noises the voice operation only works with
restrictions (except for the R8 Spyder because (seat)belt microphone is
used).Therefore NO voice operation is available in the A3, A4, A5 Cabriolet und TT
Roadster"
"A retrospective activation of the voice operation and any resulting repairs
on the voice operation cannot be claimed under warranty".
There may be companies that can unlock or re-programme the
software out there, however, software updates during servicing may reset the
system to factory settings...
Is voice activation worth it?
It sounds really good.
Would be interested to hear how people use it.
Am concerned that if I get it activated, it could cause other things which are now working really well, to stop working!!
Thoughts on that from the VAG experts would be really valued....
 
I wouldn't lose sleep over not having voice activation.

I rarely use it IRL, mainly just for demonstration purposes. I use the MMI touch pad by default. But that's just me.
 
veeeight said:
I wouldn't lose sleep over not having voice activation.

I rarely use it IRL, mainly just for demonstration purposes. I use the MMI touch pad by default. But that's just me.
Click to expand...

I prefer the voice activation to select the route guidance especially if I'm driving. I find the MMI knob to take my hand away from the gear stick so I don't feel as confident doing this in motion - fine to use when stationary.
 
phil1824 said:
Audi will not enable to Voice Activation. The statement is :"Because of cabriolet-specific noises the voice operation only works with
restrictions (except for the R8 Spyder because (seat)belt microphone is
used).Therefore NO voice operation is available in the A3, A4, A5 Cabriolet und TT
Roadster"
"A retrospective activation of the voice operation and any resulting repairs
on the voice operation cannot be claimed under warranty".
There may be companies that can unlock or re-programme the
software out there, however, software updates during servicing may reset the
system to factory settings...
Is voice activation worth it?
It sounds really good.
Would be interested to hear how people use it.
Am concerned that if I get it activated, it could cause other things which are now working really well, to stop working!!
Thoughts on that from the VAG experts would be really valued....
Click to expand...
That's a shame. My Audi TT is the same except the SDS High (speech dictation system) voice activation is not enabled on either coupes or roadsters. But I went to the experts in this - VW & Audi Retrofit Parts – Vehicle Electrics – Fault Diagnostics | HappyDayz and they enabled it. I can't speak for the A3 but it makes a huge difference to the ability of the RNS-E in the TT, with navigation, phone etc. The odd thing is that in other markets SDS High is enabled by Audi. Go figure!

But it may be worth talking to HazzyDayz to see what they say. Gareth Hawkridge is the key guy there.
 
Last edited:
Many thanks for your reply.
Touch pad is great and I agree for phone the DIS display and MMI are great.
I was thinking for input in the Nav and Audi connect systems?
Is it also possible if activated to reply to TEXTS?

veeeight said:
I wouldn't lose sleep over not having voice activation.

I rarely use it IRL, mainly just for demonstration purposes. I use the MMI touch pad by default. But that's just me.
Click to expand...
 
The voice commands system is pretty comprehensive, wouldn't surprise me if you could navigate around most of the MMI using it.
 
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Reactions: phil1824
veeeight said:
I wouldn't lose sleep over not having voice activation.

I rarely use it IRL, mainly just for demonstration purposes. I use the MMI touch pad by default. But that's just me.
Click to expand...

I use it for two things only - calling people and entering navigation postcodes. It's very quick and convenient being able to just say "call John Smith" or whoever and I also find dictating postcodes to it to be the fastest way of entering a destination.
 
Yes but that's hardly a problem as the postcode alone gets you fairly darn close :)
 
It's a problem when it's dark, and you can't read the sodding house numbers, at least with the Nav house numbers it gets you relatively close !
 
phil1824 said:
RHG Audi appear extremely knowledgeable and helpful. Has anyone used them?
Location - RGH Audi Specialist
Phil
Click to expand...

Sorry never heard of them (even on the TT Forum) but even though HazzyDayz are quite a trip from Cheshire they do onsite fixes and they really do know all about SDS High. They've done hundreds if not thousands of TTs !!
 
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Reactions: phil1824
Have just emailed Audi UK to suggest Audi should enable it, at least with the Hood Up on the Cabriolet. Will let you know the reply.


phil1824 said:
The Voice Activation in the Cabriolet appears to be switched off when delivered. It was switched off on the 2009 A4 Cabriolet MMI and I asked them to switch in on and it took them 5 minutes. I believe they connected in up to VCDS?? and switched it on.
It is switched off on my new A3 Cabriolet and I will go back to the Dealership and ask them to activate it.
The Bluetooth phone system works really well, so there must be microphones fitted etc...
I would find it really useful if the experts in this forum could confirm that this can be done and is a trivial task for those who know what they are doing?
Many thanks.
Phil
Click to expand...
 
Spent 30 mins with Rick Hanley of RGH near Knutsford. Rick is an Audi master technician who has set up his own business. Appears an excellent set up and I will go there in the future for servicing. RGH Audi Specialist Rick had a look in the diagnostics and nothing obvious re what to change the settings of. Did it free of charge.. Impressed!! Anybody have any suggestions, delighted to hear them.

phil1824 said:
Audi will not enable to Voice Activation. The statement is :"Because of cabriolet-specific noises the voice operation only works with
restrictions (except for the R8 Spyder because (seat)belt microphone is
used).Therefore NO voice operation is available in the A3, A4, A5 Cabriolet und TT
Roadster"
"A retrospective activation of the voice operation and any resulting repairs
on the voice operation cannot be claimed under warranty".
There may be companies that can unlock or re-programme the
software out there, however, software updates during servicing may reset the
system to factory settings...
Is voice activation worth it?
It sounds really good.
Would be interested to hear how people use it.
Am concerned that if I get it activated, it could cause other things which are now working really well, to stop working!!
Thoughts on that from the VAG experts would be really valued....
Click to expand...
 
My A3 Sportback is born without steering wheel command and voice command too.
So I bought retrofit kit to have them, but I was no able to activate SDS (I've been able, but coding is lost turning of the car)
So, I'm waiting that someone is able to activate SDS like cabrio version
 
phil1824 said:
Spent 30 mins with Rick Hanley of RGH near Knutsford. Rick is an Audi master technician who has set up his own business. Appears an excellent set up and I will go there in the future for servicing. RGH Audi Specialist Rick had a look in the diagnostics and nothing obvious re what to change the settings of. Did it free of charge.. Impressed!! Anybody have any suggestions, delighted to hear them.
Click to expand...

Sorry I'm a little confused. I'm assuming he did not manage to fix it? If so why not give HazzyDayz a call? They are the experts!
 
Last edited:
lukappaseidue said:
My A3 Sportback is born without steering wheel command and voice command too.
So I bought retrofit kit to have them, but I was no able to activate SDS (I've been able, but coding is lost turning of the car)
So, I'm waiting that someone is able to activate SDS like cabrio version
Click to expand...

If you put your location in your profile it would help as I am guessing that you're not in the UK so this feature may not be fitted at all in your country. All A3 AFAIK have the "Voice control system – for key telephone and radio functions"as standard. But it may only be an option in your country?
 
Sorry for not making this clear. Impressed that he spent a lot of time without charging me to have a look. Impressed with his set up and approach. Issue not sorted and voice activation still de-activated. Delighted he did not "have a go" and cause problems where there currently are not any...
 
glospete said:
Sorry I'm a little confused. I'm assuming he did not manage to fix it? If so why not give HazzyDayz a call? They are the experts!
Click to expand...

Sorry for not making this clear. Impressed that he spent a lot of time without charging me to have a look. Impressed with his set up and approach. Issue not sorted and voice activation still de-activated. Delighted he did not "have a go" and cause problems where there currently are not any...
 
So give HazzyDayz a call - they will be able to tell you definitively whether it is possible or not.
 
After explained my problem (no SDS) the said that, as I'm Italian, they will contact local delaer to get it touch with me... still waiting
 
I have politely raised a request for Audi Ingolstadt to accept that some customers will wish to have voice activation available in the Cabriolet and Audi UK have been very helpful and responsive in corresponding with me by email and phone and inserting the request into the SYSTEM. I do not believe that anything will happen unless others also make this request, if it is something that you would wish to have available. I will keep the forum up to date with developments.


phil1824 said:
The Voice Activation in the Cabriolet appears to be switched off when delivered. It was switched off on the 2009 A4 Cabriolet MMI and I asked them to switch in on and it took them 5 minutes. I believe they connected in up to VCDS?? and switched it on.
It is switched off on my new A3 Cabriolet and I will go back to the Dealership and ask them to activate it.
The Bluetooth phone system works really well, so there must be microphones fitted etc...
I would find it really useful if the experts in this forum could confirm that this can be done and is a trivial task for those who know what they are doing?
Many thanks.
Phil
Click to expand...
 
phil1824 said:
No news... Have also Tweeted about it to AudiUK
Do you have a Cabriolet and the same concerns? The more people that raise this as an issue, the more chance of them changing their mind??
Click to expand...

My A3 Sportback is born without steering wheel command and voice command too.
So I bought retrofit kit to have them, but I was no able to activate SDS (I've been able, but coding is lost turning of the car)
So, I'm waiting that someone is able to activate SDS like cabrio version
 
Audi Customer service in the UK have been very helpful in relaying my query up the line as to why Voice Activation is disabled by Audi in the A3 and A5 Cabriolet, even when the hood is up.
Audi Germany have responded that that is the way it is designed (and basically, that is the end of the discussion)
Very annoying. Not sure what to do next.
Appears not to be an issue to other owners?


phil1824 said:
I have politely raised a request for Audi Ingolstadt to accept that some customers will wish to have voice activation available in the Cabriolet and Audi UK have been very helpful and responsive in corresponding with me by email and phone and inserting the request into the SYSTEM. I do not believe that anything will happen unless others also make this request, if it is something that you would wish to have available. I will keep the forum up to date with developments.
Click to expand...
 
I bought a new a3 cabriolet in France, I search a solution for reactivated this function.


phil1824 said:
Audi Customer service in the UK have been very helpful in relaying my query up the line as to why Voice Activation is disabled by Audi in the A3 and A5 Cabriolet, even when the hood is up.
Audi Germany have responded that that is the way it is designed (and basically, that is the end of the discussion)
Very annoying. Not sure what to do next.
Appears not to be an issue to other owners?
Click to expand...
 
Good luck.
Audi appear to have made the decision to switch it off and will not change their mind!!

jcd1984 said:
I bought a new a3 cabriolet in France, I search a solution for reactivated this function.
Click to expand...
 
phil1824 said:
Good luck.
Audi appear to have made the decision to switch it off and will not change their mind!!
Click to expand...

I wrote you a PM some days ago-
Why you donìt reply me. I hope the we could find a solution, togheter
 
Hi, Apologies, I thank you for your PM. I have been on holiday and busy. I am not looking for a solution which is not supported by Audi. I have paid a lot of money for a very complicated car and am not willing to jeopardise the warranty


lukappaseidue said:
I wrote you a PM some days ago-
Why you donìt reply me. I hope the we could find a solution, togheter
Click to expand...
 
Hi Phil,

I'm picking up a Cabriolet at the start of September.
On the test drive, the Sales Guy said that the Voice Control certainly works on the Cabriolet and he had used it on the Test Car.

I'll let you know next month !!
 
Oh sorry.

UK.

I'll try and find the location thing in the status and update it.
 
The Bluetooth phone system works, but if you press the Voice menu on the steering wheel it says this is deactivated and if you look in the Handbook it says it is deactivated on Cabriolet and I have had many phone conversations with Audi Customer Service who have spoken to the Bosses in Ingolstadt who confirm it is switched off and will remain so, so the Salesman has special powers!!

Snibo said:
Hi Phil,

I'm picking up a Cabriolet at the start of September.
On the test drive, the Sales Guy said that the Voice Control certainly works on the Cabriolet and he had used it on the Test Car.

I'll let you know next month !!
Click to expand...
 
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